Welcome to City Kids School (CKS). Our school has been excelling in educating preschool age children since 1998; and since 2008, we have offered the same excellent education to students in kindergarten.

CKS considers the early years the most important period of development in a child’s life. A child’s work is their play, and therefore children learn best when they engage in activities that encourage choice making, exploration and discovery, hands-on experiences, and authentic learning opportunities. Within our educational structure is the framework to come alongside parents in their efforts to raise children of strong character who will become world-changing young people.

We invite you to join our school community; join us in a journey of excellence and virtue. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact me by phone or e-mail. I look forward to meeting you!

Sheryl Nelson, MIT
School Director

(425) 739–1227
sheryl@citymin.org

Hello, my name is Kristy Lara. I have an earned bachelor’s degree in Children’s studies from Eastern Washington as well as an earned CDA (Child Development Associates) and love to keep learning. I have a sense of humor, love to guide children to new discoveries, am teachable, enjoy interacting with parents, and love God with all my heart.

My classroom is colorful, fun, and safe for the inquisitive 2.5 – 3-year-olds. We have age-appropriate activities that invite a child to play and learn through hands-on activities.

One of the most exciting things in my classroom is watching children learn through play. It is not hard—it’s natural. I love to put a new activity out and watch as the children discover it, test it out, play with it, and get ahold of the “concept” without even trying.

My favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Hello! My name is Karina Tseng.

I’ve been a part of the teaching team at City Kids School since 2018. In 2020 I earned a degree in Christian Studies from Regent University. I love being an assistant teacher in the two-day program. Kristy Lara and I focus on creating our classroom to be warm and inviting for our students. Striking up a conversation through a Disney, Marvel or Star Wars songs is one of my favorite ways to make a connection with a student.

I recently got married and gained two amazing children to my already two amazing children, now I have four amazing children.

My favorite verse is: “With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience.”

Ephesians 4:2 TPT

My name is Bonnie Anderson, and I am excited to be joining the teaching team and specifically the 3-day teachers at City Kids School! I have an earned bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Warner Pacific College in Portland Oregon. I love children and I have 5 adult children of my own. I am delighted to be a part of the thriving community at City Kids School!

I have found that children learn best when they are having fun. I believe a classroom should be inviting and full of exciting hands-on activities. My desire is that every child will know they are unique and greatly loved by God and that they will make new friends while exploring both God’s Word and the world in which we live.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 (TPT):

“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.”

Hello, my name is Sue Cheng,

I am excited to start my sixth year at City Kids School as an Assistant Teacher. I grew up in Taiwan and have a nursing degree. I worked in the ER/Surgery/Anesthesia as a nurse for many years before becoming a teacher. Prior to joining City Kids School, I was a bilingual pre-school teacher. When I’m not teaching in Preschool, I am a Sunday school teacher and enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

I love teaching children and helping them with hands on learning. My intention is that each child will love coming into our class with a big smile and enjoy having fun with their friends. I will encourage them to learn how to face difficulties and overcome them. As an assistant teacher, I will help each child to build a good attitude toward life in addition to the formal teaching from the lead teacher. I believe preschool will help them for the rest of their life.

My favorite scripture verse is:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

Hi! My name is Mrs. Kelly McPherson.

I’m delighted to join the teaching team at City Kids School as the Lead Teacher with our 3 Day Students. I have an earned bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University in English Technical Writing. I was born and raised in Auburn, WA and have lived in Washington most of my life. I’ve been married to my husband Jonathan for almost 16 years, and we have lived in the Kingsgate neighborhood of Kirkland for ten years. We have three children: Beatrice, Samuel, and Eleanor. We love to check out new bookstores or read during these cozy months and be outside camping or hiking in the summer. Our youngest is a current student at City Kids School and we have really enjoyed our time at the school.

One of my favorite verses is: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13

Hello-Hola! My name is Jessica Perez. I feel so blessed to be part of City Kids School and this amazing team. I have a Bachelor Degree and a Master’s Degree in Biological Chemical Sciences. To pursue my early childhood career, I completed state early learning certifications and added additional course work in Positive Discipline, Lactation Consultant, Childbirth Educator among others.

I believe children are God’s love messengers and I adore working with them. Children are pure love! I find joy in teaching children’s songs and games in Spanish, and I feel so thrilled when I see they are having so much fun they don’t want to go home.

One of my favorite scripture verses is Matthew 19:14: Jesus said to them: “Allow the little children to come to me, and do not choose to prohibit them. For the kingdom of heaven is among such as these.”

Hello! My name is Anna Benes. I have an earned Associate of Arts Degree from Grays Harbor College in 2003. Then I worked as a cosmetologist for 20 years. I have 4 children and my youngest three have been students at City Kids School.

Over the last 7 years of being a parent at City Kids School, I am so excited to join the teaching team. I completed the initial early learning certificate, required for all early learning educators, and I’m excited to spread my passion for helping children of all abilities with their education and play. My youngest child is Autistic, and I have dedicated my life to learning about how to help children with communication and development.

Pursuing a new direction in my career path of education is an exciting change, and being able to help children is an amazing opportunity. I look forward to assisting in the 3-half-day class and being a part of this community.

One of my favorite verses is: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

Hello! My name is Tami Duryee.

I am extremely excited to be teaching the Pre-K class at City Kids School. I have been teaching in Early Childhood since 1990. God has always had His hand on my life, and I am delighted for my adventure at City Kids School. I really love the Pre-K/Kindergarten age as they genuinely like learning new things. I specialize in HANDS ON LEARNING as I find hands-on-activities to be the best way to connect to the learning.

Because GRACE and FAITH are especially important in my life, I will share my favorite verse: “For it is by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH.” EPHESIANS 2:8

Hello! My name is Lori Martinez and I’m beyond excited to join the team at City Kids School as an Assistant Teacher, in Pre-K. I can’t wait to meet you and get to know you! Before we meet, first let me tell you a little about me.

Before coming to City Kids School, I had the honor to volunteer on several missions’ trips to Sri Lanka where I assisted the teachers and students in their day-to-day activities and helped to feed them; this was a life changing experience. I have volunteered in summer camps with elementary students and loved to listen to their concerns and joys. I would give them hugs, high fives and throw them kisses. The children knew I loved them. I also speak fluid Spanish.

I find great joy in being able to help my students understand difficult concepts and to help them to grow socially and emotionally.

Working as a teacher is an incredible privilege. I’m so very happy to begin the school year. And this season of my life.

One of my favorite verses is: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will not fear for you are with me your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalms 23:4

Hello! My name is Cindy Yang and I am excited to join City Kids School this year.

I have an earned Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Wuhan University in China and an Associates of Arts degree in English Education. Before I came to Seattle in 2010, I worked as an English teacher in China for 9 years. Since coming to Seattle, I have volunteered as a Sunday School teacher at Bread of Life Church for over 4 years.

I love working with children, they are pure and innocent. I feel like returning to their age when I spend time with them. Every child is valuable and unique in God’s eyes, with potential gifts to be developed. I am excited to see the world through their eyes, by playing interesting games, songs, hand-on activities, and educational readings. It is promising to see every child grow into becoming happy and strong in God’s Garden.

I live with my dear husband and two sweet twin daughters Lily and Emily. In my spare time, I like playing the piano, dancing, reading, and cooking,

I love to pray every day and my favorite scripture is 1Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Hello! My name is Bonnie Schwindt and I have been teaching in early childhood for over 20 years. I am thankful to be part of City Kids School where I continue to provide fun, engaging learning opportunities for children to explore the world around them. I have a 2-year AA degree from Edmonds Community College and have benefited from attending WAEYC (Washington Association for the Education of Young Children), and Northwest Ministries Conferences where I have strengthened my knowledge in Early Childhood Development.

I find great joy when I hear a child is excited to come to school each day!! School can be fun! I encourage my students to try new things, using all their 5 senses, and the outcome is confidence in themselves and their abilities. Most importantly, I want them to know who God is and how much He loves them, fostering positive interactions with their peers, and encouraging them to develop new friendships.

One of my favorite Bible verses is: “I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength.” Philippines 4:13

Hello my name is Dina Pan and I teach our amazing Kindergarten class! I am a graduate of the University of Washington where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with an emphasis on Culture, Literature, and the Arts. I also earned a Washington State Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. Prior to coming to City Kids School I taught in the Northshore School District and at Bright Horizons.

From an early age I wanted to be a teacher. I grew up with parents who were both educators and their love for teaching inspired me. Now I feel so privileged to be teaching at City Kids School and working with such an amazing teaching team.

My goal for students is to make learning fun. I love to teach using songs, movement, repetition, and creative activities. One of the most rewarding things about teaching is watching a child have his/her “aha” moment. When a child finds understanding or accomplishes a task that they have been working diligently on such as writing a letter or number correctly I love to see the “aha” moment and this without doubt brings joy to my heart.

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”